Synopsis: There is considerable inconsistency in how states across the U.S. regulate residential treatment programs for youth. In states with little oversight, the health and safety of youth are unprotected and they may be subject to substandard treatment, rights violations, and/or abuse. Four initiatives to address this issue will be described: 1) a survey of former program participants; 2) a four-state pilot study of state regulations; 3) a bridge-building conference between residential treatment providers and mental health leaders and 4) a youth-led advocacy effort. Next steps for the fields of law, mental health, education and family advocacy will be discussed.

Date:
Monday, March 5, 2007

Session Time: 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM

Building Bridges with Residential Treatment Providers

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Presenting: Robert Friedman

All Authors for this paper: Robert Friedman

Presentation Type: element of symposium

Synopsis: Concerns about state policies regarding residential treatment have been supported by a related development. The Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch of the U.S. Center for Mental Health Services convened a meeting in Omaha, Nebraska in June, 2006, to address the historic split between providers of residential care for children with mental health challenges, and advocates for home and community-based care within systems of care. The meeting brought together representatives from the federal, state, and local level, youth and family advocates, system of care council members, tribal representatives, providers of service, and representatives of national associations related to childrenÕs mental health and to residential care. Although unlicensed, unregulated residential programs were not represented, the agreements that emerged should serve to inform parents, professionals who provide referrals to residential treatment programs, and the operators of all residential programs of the expectations that constitute good care and treatment.

Youth and Parent Perspectives on Residential Programs for ÒTroubled TeensÓ

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Presenting: Allison Pinto; Christina Kloker Young

All Authors for this paper: Allison Pinto; Christina Kloker Young

Presentation Type: element of symposium

Synopsis: As a means of gathering information about institutionalized abuse in unregulated residential facilities, an online survey has been developed and posted to collect firsthand reports from young adults who attended residential ÒspecialtyÓ programs when they were adolescents and the parents of program participants. To date, hundreds of former program participants and over one hundred parents have shared their experiences and expressed their concerns through this survey. Survey results will be presented to describe the range of programs, participants, and concerns related to rights violations, misuse of seclusion and restraint, inhumane treatment, and distress and suffering.

Identifying and Responding to Concerns Regarding Abuse and Mistreatment in Residential "Treatment" Programs

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Presenting: Lenore Behar; Bill Boyles

All Authors for this paper: Lenore Behar; Bill Boyles

Presentation Type: element of symposium

Synopsis: Numerous concerns have been reported by youth, parents, former program staff and investigative reporters regarding the treatment of youth in unregulated residential programs, including the following: 1) Basic human rights violations including youth deaths, degrading discipline, inappropriate seclusion and restraint, medical and nutritional neglect, and severe restrictions of communication and visitation; 2) Substandard psychotherapeutic interventions and education by unqualified staff; 3) Financial opportunism by program operators; and 4) Financial incentives to educational consultants.

A Pilot Study of State Regulations Pertaining to Youth Residential Treatment Programs

All Authors for this paper: Judith Katz-Leavy; Lenore Behar; Robert Friedman; Allison Pinto

Presentation Type: element of symposium

Synopsis: A pilot study of four states was undertaken to identify issues related to state policies that protect or endanger children and families involved in residential treatment programs for youth. The study was conducted in Connecticut, Missouri, Utah, and California. Respondents were from the protection and advocacy agency, child welfare, education, juvenile justice and mental health. Findings are presented regarding: 1) the degree to which respondents were knowledgeable of relevant state regulations and the monitoring process; and 2) the extent to which there were laws, regulations and policies in place to protect youth in residential treatment programs.